PGM Recycling
What are Platinum group metals?
Platinum group metals or PGMs is a name used for a group of six elements from the periodic table. The Platinum Group Metals are ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum. These non ferrous metals have similar characteristics and exceptional catalyst qualities and are excellent, not only for use in jewelry, but also have a wide variety of industrial applications. Currently the majority of the world’s PGMs are mined in South Africa or recycled from used catalytic converters via smelting. Apollo Platinum uses a wet chemical leaching process to recycle rhodium, palladium and platinum from used catalytic converters.
Why are PGMs important?
Currently, the United States imports over 90% of its critical platinum group metals from countries such as South Africa and China. South Africa alone holds more than 87% of the known platinum reserves in the world. PGMs are a non-renewable resource that are used to help control harmful emissions from vehicles, they are also important in many chemical processes, and will be critical to emerging technologies, among numerous other uses. The auto industry is the largest consumer of PGMs and the global demand for PGMs is increasing.
Why Recycle?
By responsibly recycling used catalytic converters, we are helping to preserve the environment and reduce dependence on a foreign, non-renewable resource. Recycling PGMs provides better employment conditions, labor relations and a healthier and safer working environment.